The Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce Staff and their responsibilities
Click on a name for full information...
Kathy Cardwell
Vice President Administration. Oversees internal operations of the Chamber, administrative support to all departments, human resource functions, research, accounting/financials and management of the front office and communication systems. Liaison to Education Council. Reports to President/CEO.
Jennifer Castaneda
Member Investment Representative. Responsible for recruiting new members and retaining current members. Reports to Vice President Development.
Bob Frey
Accounting Manager. Handles all account receivables and payables along with the Chamber and NCI’s financials. Reports to Vice President Administration.
Julie Gilmour
Director of Business Technology Improvement/NCI Operations. Responsible for assisting companies grow and improve technologies using all available resources. Reports to Vice President Business Technology Improvement/NCI Operations.
Kyle Hannon
Vice President Public Policy/Media Relations. Chamber liaison to City, County, State and Federal governments. Formulates policies for the Chamber. Responsible for any media relations of the Chamber. Liaison to Economic Development, Environmental and Government Councils. Reports to President/CEO.
Kay House-Clark
Building Manager/Support. In charge of building maintenance, office machine and vendor contracts, building security. Maintains membership database and provides office & membership support. Liaison to Transportation Council. Reports to Vice President Administration.
Claudia Meenan
Member Retention Manager. Establishes and executes retention and collection programs for the Chamber. Assists members in connecting with Chamber programs, services and involvement. Liaison to the Ambassadors and Women’s Council. Reports to Vice President Development.
Phil Penn
President/CEO of Chamber. Oversees operations of the Chamber at the direction of the Board, to carry out programs of work to meet the members’ needs. Serves as Secretary to the Board of Directors.
Denise Polachek
Vice President Development. Responsible for membership development, retention, events, seminars, marketing and new product/service development for the Chamber. Coordinates Annual Meeting, Biz-Ness Expo and other events. Liaison to Annual Outing, Beautification, Bristol Business, Business Recognition and Leadership Council. Reports to President/CEO.
Rolf Preibisch
Accounting Assistant. Handles account receivables and payables. Works with Accounting Manager on Chamber’s and NCI’s financials. Reports to Accounting Manager and Vice President Administration.
Bridget O'Toole
Executive Assistant. Performs scheduling, administrative, meeting planning, confidential secretarial and general office duties as assistant to the President of the Chamber and in support of the Board of Directors. Liaison to Minority Business Development Council. Reports to President/CEO.
Jim Walsh
Vice President Business Technology Improvement/NCI Operations. Assists companies in developing better manufacturing processes. Liaison to OSHA Council. Reports to President/CEO.
Abby Wier
Marketing/Graphic Design Specialist. Publishes Chamber newsletter, Member Business Directory and annual report and develops other marketing pieces. Maintains Chamber weekly E-newsletter and Chamber website. Reports to Vice President Development.
Brenda Wingard
Receptionist/Administrative Assistant. Answers telephones, assists visitors and disseminates information. Scheduling and preparation of meeting rooms. Handles all mail procedures and Fax broadcast scheduling and sending. Reports to Vice President Administration.
